Pin Fun, festive mini desserts decorated to look like countdown clocks—perfect for New Years Eve or any celebration where you want to ring in the moment with something sweet and playful.
I love making these countdown clock mini desserts because they add a playful and festive touch to any party, and everyone enjoys decorating them.
Ingredients
- For the Mini Cakes: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter softened, 1/3 cup (80 ml) whole milk, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt
- For the Buttercream Frosting: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar, 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, Gel food coloring (black gold silver yellow as desired)
- Decorations: Edible gold or silver pearls, Mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel (for clock hands numbers), Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
- Step 2:
- In a mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla mix until combined.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl whisk together flour baking powder and salt.
- Step 4:
- Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture then the milk then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Step 5:
- Divide the batter evenly among the mini muffin cups filling each about 2/3 full.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 7:
- For the frosting beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar mixing well. Add milk and vanilla beat until fluffy.
- Step 8:
- Divide the frosting into small bowls and tint with gel food coloring as desired (e g some black for clock faces some yellow gold for accents).
- Step 9:
- Once cakes are cool frost each mini cake with a smooth layer of colored buttercream.
- Step 10:
- Use decorating gel chocolate chips or colored frosting to draw clock faces numbers and clock hands pointing to midnight. Decorate with edible pearls and sprinkles.
- Step 11:
- Arrange on a platter and serve!
Pin This recipe always brings joy when my family gathers to decorate the mini desserts together before the big celebration.
Required Tools
Mini muffin tin Mixing bowls Electric mixer or whisk Spatula Piping bags or small offset spatula Food-safe paintbrush (optional for details)
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) eggs milk (dairy) Check decorations and food coloring for additional allergens
Nutritional Information
Per serving Calories 180 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 25 g Protein 2 g
Pin These mini desserts are a delightful way to add a festive touch to your celebrations and are fun to make with friends and family.
Recipe FAQ
- → How long does it take to bake the mini desserts?
They bake for about 10 minutes at 350°F, ensuring a light and fluffy texture perfect for frosting and decorating.
- → What ingredients enhance the frosting colors?
Gel food coloring in black, gold, silver, and yellow tints the buttercream for vibrant clock face designs.
- → Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes, the batter can be mixed ahead and refrigerated briefly before baking for convenience.
- → Are there decorating alternatives to chocolate chips?
Edible pearls and colored decorating gel offer elegant accents alongside or instead of mini chocolate chips.
- → What variations can be used to change flavors?
Adding lemon zest or cocoa powder to the batter creates refreshing or rich flavor twists.
- → What tools are needed for decoration?
Mixing bowls, piping bags or spatulas, and optional food-safe paintbrushes help achieve detailed clock designs.